Paris May '07

Hi Everyone!

Here is the SCM Paris Trip - there are still spots left! The dates are May 11 to May 20, 2007.

The information meeting is taking place on Thursday, Jan 18, 2007.
At this meeting, Earthbround Expeditions will give a presentation to answer any of your questions. All are welcome, those considering the trip and those who have already signed up. More information about the meeting is available here.

FAQ's
Have some questions? Click here to see the FAQ's and learn more about what a "Group Adventure" is like!

CONTACT / MORE INFO
If you would like more information about the trip, please call Earthbound Expeditions. They are the talented and wonderful local Seattle adventure company that is arranging this fabulous trip!
Call Earthbound Expeditions at (206) 842-9775. Ask about the "Space City Mixer Trip to Costa Rica" or send an email to: info@earthboundexpeditions.com

SIGN UP ME UP!
These trips are popular and sell out quickly. Confirm your spot now! A $300 deposit is needed to confirm your space. Click here or call Earthbound Expeditions at (206) 842-9775 - they will walk you through the sign up process and answer all of your questions.

Come to the meeting and learn about the Paris Trip!

“I don’t dare speak of Paris,
where I have lived for more than twenty years. To know it is the work of a lifetime.”
Stendhal

Join SCM and savor the flavors of Paris, Provence & the French Riviera! …
The adventure begins in the “City of Lights”. Paris is the capital of fashion, culture, cuisine and of all things beautiful, mesmerizing and enticing. On this ten day journey you’ll sample all the delicacies Paris has to offer: colorful markets, world-class museums, vibrant ethnic neighborhoods and cozy bistros. Then you’ll zoom south to the sunny Côte d'Azur on the French Riviera and the gorgeous scenery of Provence! Hike to the top of the stunning hill towns of Les Baux & Roussillon. Enjoy the colorful outdoor markets of Arles, Aix-en-Provence and kayak on the Gard River under a giant Roman Aqueduct. Walk in the artistic footsteps of Cezanne, Van Gogh, Picasso and Chagall. Sample the earthy olive oil and delicious wines of the South of France. The scent of lavender and ocean breezes beckon, so join Space City Mixer for what promises to be a delicious adventure to Paris & the sunny Villages of Southern France!

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!
3 Nights Paris
2 Nights Arles de Provence
2 Nights Aix-en-Provence
2 Nights Nice

HIGHLIGHTS
Private tours of the Louvre museum, Nôtre Dame and the Sainte Chapelle • Intimate walking tours of Paris neighborhoods • Dinners in cozy bistros • Sunny beaches of Nice and the French Riviera • Wine tasting in the Cotes du Rhone • Hiking up to the hill towns of Les Baux & Roussillon • Colorful outdoor Provencal markets • Roman ruins of Arles and the towering Pont du Gard • Kayaking on the Gard river beneath an ancient Roman aqueduct.

TRIP FACTS
10 days/ 9 nights (w/out air)
$2,295 PP Dbl. based on 25-28 guests. (Land only) [Maximum group size: 28]
$2,495 PP Dbl. based on 18-24 guests. (Land only)
$2,695 PP Dbl. based on 13-17 guests. (Land only)
$395 Single supplement*

Advertised price include a 3% cash discount. Prices based on .80 Euro = $1.00 USD

TRIP DATES:
Begins in Paris: Friday, May 11, 2007
Ends in Nice: Sunday, May 20, 2007

Roommates & Solo Travelers:For those wanting roommates, we will attempt to find a same-gender roommate. Roommates will be assigned by Earthbound Expeditions (unless otherwise requested). If a roommate can not be found, you are requested to pay the Single Supplement. Most SCM travelers sign up as solo travelers and are assigned roommates. Single accommodations can be requested but are very limited and based on availability.
Advertised price include a 3% cash discount. Prices based on .80 Euro = $1.00 USD

Deposit and Payments: A deposit of $300 is required to reserve your space. The deposit is refundable for 6 weeks from the date it is received or until 60 days prior to the trip - whichever comes first. Final payment is due on March 2, 2007.

Not Included: Airfare, alcoholic beverages. Prices are determined at the current US dollar exchange and current fuel prices. Should these prices rise sharply a small surcharge will be applied to help absorb some of these increases. All Advertised prices are based on a 3% cash discount.

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for all of Paris is a moveable feast.”
Ernest Hemingway (1950)

IT’S INCLUDED!

Fully guided by an expert Earthbound Expeditions program director.
Nine nights of accommodation in a charming, centrally located hotels.
A cruise on the Seine River.
2 day museum pass in Paris.
Metro tickets in Paris.
Private museum and neighborhood tours with knowledgeable local guides.
High speed train transfers from Paris to Marseilles.
Transport by private motor coach in the south of France.
All entrances listed in your itinerary.
All breakfasts, three picnic lunches and five dinners.
A sumptuous wine tasting in the Cote de Rhone.
A Paris city map.
A kayak trip on the Gard River in France.
A pre-trip educational reading and viewing list.
Outings to open air antique markets.
A small, fun group of soon-to-be friends!

“Paris is the greatest temple ever built to material joys and the lust of the eyes.”
Henry James

YOUR JOURNEY -

Arrive Paris, Friday, May 11, 2007

Day 1: Médames, messieurs, bonsoir!
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your centrally located hotel. The afternoon is yours to stroll through the quaint alleyways of this city, or perhaps a nap is in order. Let’s meet this evening for a welcome orientation and dinner hosted by your guide. Sleep in Paris

Day 2: A morning on the Ile de la Cité
After your café au lait et croissant this morning, we’ll tour the historic core of Paris. See where she was founded, so many centuries ago. We’ll cover the Ile de la Cité including Nôtre Dame, La Sainte Chapelle and have time to duck into the Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned awaiting her beheading. Sleep in Paris

Day 3: Explore the Louvre and enjoy a free afternoon!
We’ll visit the Louvre this morning with a local guide who will take us on a private tour of this world-renowned museum. We’ll focus on the most famous collections, and allow you some free time to stay and enjoy the rest at your leisure. Since a museum pass is included in the trip cost, you’ll be able to do that whenever you wish. May we suggest an exploration of the Museé d’Orsay which is directly across from the Louvre? Or, perhaps you would prefer a walk down the Champs Elysees or a visit to the Rodin museum? This evening let’s meet for an open air cruise down the Siene. Sleep in Paris

Day 4: High speed train to Arles via Marseille, Provence
We are off to Van Gogh's Arles. Located right in the center of Provence, Arles is perfectly situated. We have two full days to explore Arles' fascinating past. A highlight will be visiting Arles’ impressive Roman amphitheater. Since this is our first night in the heart of Provence let’s enjoy a typical Provencal feast together. Sleep in Arles

Day 5: The Pont du Gard and a Provencal outdoor market & hill towns!
Today you have a full day to explore the countryside around Arles. Let’s first stop to admire the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, le Pont du Gard. While you relax and marvel at this architectural masterpiece, your guides will prepare a lovely Provencal picnic. For those interested, there is time for a leisurely kayak trip down the Gard River is included.
Our afternoon will be spent rubbing elbows with locals at one of the nearby Provencal outdoor markets. Filled with antiques, colorful cloth, aromatic spices, delicious cheese and vegetables, one could spend a full day getting lost in the maze of market stalls.
Sleep in Arles

Day 6: East to Aix-en-Provence via a wine tasting in the Côtes du Rhône
En route to Aix-en-Provence we visit the medieval town of Les Baux. Famous for its stunning vistas, lovely boutiques and rugged fortress, Les Baux was also once the home of the poetic Troubadours and the center for romantic love. Arrive into the handsome, aristocratic city of Aix-en-Provence, often called "the Queen of Provence."
Sleep in Aix-en-Provence

Day 7: A day in Aix en Provence
This morning a fascinating local guide will bring this Provencal gem to life. You will be guided through local flower markets and narrow colorful cobblestone streets. You will also learn all about the life of the impressionist Cézanne, who was inspired by this charming town. Parisians call this city Sex-en-Provence because it is known for its carefree atmosphere and university student life.
Sleep in Aix-en-Provence

Day 8: The Cote d'Azur
We'll start today with a drive to the glamorous French Riviera and Nice. Enjoy a lunch in Nice and visit to the colorful Italian quarter… the district that reminds us that Nice once belonged to Italy. Enjoy some free time this afternoon and some beach time. In the evening, enjoy a stroll on the English Promenade. Sleep in Nice

Day 9: A country outing to the hill towns of Saint Paul and Vence
Enjoy your coastal hideaway today or join your guide for an excursion to the nearby hill towns of Saint Paul and Vence. In the afternoon we’ll stop to admire the Chapelle du Rosaire at Vence before heading back to our seaside home.
Sleep in Nice

Day 10: Tour over after breakfast
Tour over after breakfast. Catch a high speed train north to Paris or east to Italy …or take advantage of your superb location and take time to further explore the beaches of the Riviera, or a visit to Monte Carlo or Provence. Your guides will be available to assist you with any post-tour planning needs. Bon Voyage!

-Itinerary Subject to Change-

Upon receipt of deposit, passengers are sent detailed trip information, air flight suggestions, passport and medical forms and trip insurance information. Clothing list and hotel details are sent after final payment is received.

Join us in Paris for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!